The Picklr Opening in Cheyenne: Cheyenne is set to welcome a new indoor pickleball facility, with plans for The Picklr to open its first Wyoming location by the end of December. The franchise, known for its national presence, will occupy the former Big Lots building at 3741 E. Lincolnway.
Owner Ray Estes Brings Passion to the Project
Ray Estes, the owner and operator, transitioned from tennis to pickleball in early 2020 and has since become deeply involved in the sport. Estes, who moved to Cheyenne two years ago, has been actively participating in the pickleball community and recognized a need for a local facility. He often traveled to The Picklr’s Loveland, Colorado location, prompting him to invest in a nearby facility to meet the demand.
“Myself and my community members … are very excited to have such a high-quality indoor pickleball club coming to Cheyenne, where we’ll be able to play year-round, regardless of what the outdoor weather is like,” Estes said.
Expansion and Renovation Plans
Estes is collaborating with four partners on this project, including Chad Preiss, who is overseeing lease negotiations and renovations. Preiss, a key figure in the Colorado Pickleball ADA, helped secure The Picklr franchise rights for Colorado and Wyoming. Converting the former Big Lots site into an eight-court pickleball facility is projected to cost around $1 million. Though construction has yet to commence, they have secured a lease, identified a general contractor, and are preparing to submit permit applications to the city.
National Growth and Local Impact
The Picklr’s expansion plan includes over 350 new locations and approximately 3,500 courts nationwide. Partners on this Cheyenne venture also include Jim Lautzenheiser, Randy Halfpop, and professional pickleball player Kyle Yates, who recently became the youngest inductee into the Pickleball Hall of Fame. Preiss envisions working with local schools to promote pickleball, recognizing the sport’s growing appeal among younger demographics.
“Pickleball is growing younger,” Preiss noted. “The fastest-growing demographic now is the 24- to 34-year-old demographic. And colleges are starting to pick it up… We’ve been working with the local school districts and trying to figure out how we can support getting pickleball into the high schools and middle schools.”
News in Brief: The Picklr Opening in Cheyenne
The Picklr is set to open an indoor pickleball facility in Cheyenne by December, taking over the former Big Lots building. Owner Ray Estes, a pickleball enthusiast since 2020, saw the need for a local facility after frequent trips to Loveland, Colorado.
The project, involving a $1 million renovation, will feature eight courts. The Picklr’s national expansion plans include 350 new locations and 3,500 courts. Partners in the Cheyenne venture include pickleball pro Kyle Yates and efforts are underway to integrate pickleball into local school programs.
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